Connector holder, optical-electrical converter with attached connector holder, optical connector fixing structure and connector holder assembly method

ABSTRACT

A connector holder fixes an optical connector assembled at a leading end of an optical fiber to an optical module having a light input/output end so that the optical fiber and the light input/output end is optically connected. The connector holder is provided with a holding section for storing at least a part of the optical connector, and a cover section attached to the holding section to be freely opened and closed. The cover section is provided with a cover section main body, and a pressing section which presses the optical connector toward the optical module.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention relates to a structure in which an opticalconnector that is assembled onto a distal end of an optical fiber isfixed onto a substrate that is provided with an optical input-outputterminal such that the optical fiber and the optical input-outputterminal are optically connected, and also to a connector holder and anoptical-electrical converter with an attached connector holder that areused in this structure, and also a method of assembling a connectorholder.

Priority is claimed on Japanese Patent Application No. 2005-146698,filed May 19, 2005, the contents of which are incorporated herein byreference.

BACKGROUND ART

FIG. 15 shows a conventional optical connector fixing structure. In thisstructure, an optical connector 102 that is provided on a distal end ofan optical fiber 101 is fixed onto a substrate 105 via a package 103 anda connector installation frame 104 (see Patent Document 1).

In the connector 102, signal light is directed downwards by a slopingsurface 102 a (i.e., a reflective surface), and is directed towards aninterface device 106 on the substrate 105.

A pair of guide pin insertion holes 102 b are formed in the connector102. The connector 102 is positioned on the connector installation frame104 as a result of guide pins 107 that are provided on the connectorinstallation frame 104 being inserted into the guide pin insertion holes102 b.

A connector holding frame 108 which has guide pin insertion holes 108 ais provided on the connector 102. The connector holding frame 108 isscrewed to the package 103 with the guide pins 107 in a state of beinginserted in the guide pin insertion holes 108 a.

Patent document 1: Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open (JP-A) No.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION Problems to be Solved by the Invention

However, in the above described structure, the problem exists that it isa complex operation to fix the connector to the installation frame orremove it therefrom.

The present invention was conceived in view of the above describedcircumstances and it is an object thereof to provide an opticalconnector fixing structure that makes it possible to accurately positionan optical connector and that has excellent operability, and a connectorholder and an optical-electrical converter with an attached connectorholder that are used in this structure, and also a method of assemblinga connector holder.

Means for Solving the Problem

The connector holder of the present invention is a connector holder thatfixes onto a substrate on which an optical input-output terminal hasbeen provided an optical connector that is assembled onto a distal endof an optical fiber whose optical axis direction is different from anoptical axis direction of the optical input-output terminal such thatthe optical fiber and the optical input-output terminal are opticallyconnected, wherein there are provided a holding portion that houses theoptical connector, and a lid portion that is mounted on the holdingportion such that it can open and close freely, and wherein the lidportion is provided with a lid portion body, and a pressing portion thatpresses the optical connector towards the substrate.

In the connector holder of the present invention, it is preferable forthe lid portion body to be provided with an engaging portion thatengages with the holding portion when the pressing portion is pressingoptical connector.

In the connector holder of the present invention, it is preferable forthe pressing portion to be formed in the shape of a tongue piece that isable to undergo elastic deformation, and for the optical connector to bepressed by elasticity towards the substrate.

In the connector holder of the present invention, it is preferable for aholder base portion to be provided between the substrate and the holderportion, and for the optical connector to be fixed to this holder baseportion.

In the connector holder of the present invention, it is preferable forpositioning pins to be provided on the holder base portion, and for theoptical connector to be fixed as a result of the positioning pins beingengaged in pin holes in the optical connector.

In the connector holder of the present invention, it is also possiblefor pin holes to be formed in the holder base portion, and for theoptical connector to be fixed as a result of positioning pins that areprovided on the optical connector being engaged in the pin holes.

The optical-electrical converter having an attached connector holder ofthe present invention is provided with a connector holder that fixesonto an optical-electrical converter on which an optical input-outputterminal has been provided an optical connector that is assembled onto adistal end of an optical fiber whose optical axis direction is differentfrom an optical axis direction of the optical input-output terminal suchthat the optical fiber and the optical input-output terminal areoptically connected, and with an optical-electrical converter, whereinthe connector holder is provided with a holding portion that houses theoptical connector, and a lid portion that is mounted on the holdingportion such that it can open and close freely, and wherein the lidportion is provided with a lid portion body, and a pressing portion thatpresses the optical connector towards the substrate.

The optical connector fixing structure of the present invention is astructure that fixes onto a substrate on which an optical input-outputterminal has been provided an optical connector that is assembled onto adistal end of an optical fiber whose optical axis direction is differentfrom an optical axis direction of the optical input-output terminal suchthat the optical fiber and the optical input-output terminal areoptically connected, wherein the connector holder is provided with aholding portion that houses the optical connector, and a lid portionthat is mounted on the holding portion such that it can open and closefreely, and wherein the lid portion is provided with a lid portion body,and a pressing portion that presses the optical connector towards thesubstrate.

The connector holder assembly method of the present invention is amethod of assembling the above described connector holder and is amethod in which the holding portion and the holder base portion aremolded separately and are then joined together.

In the connector holder assembly method of the present invention, it ispossible, after the holder base portion has been positioned relative tothe substrate, for the holding portion to be joined to this holder baseportion.

In the connector holder assembly method of the present invention, it isalso possible, after the holding portion has been joined to the holderbase portion, for the holder base portion to be positioned relative tothe substrate.

The connector holder assembly method of the present invention is amethod of assembling the above described connector holder and is amethod in which it is also possible for the holding portion and theholder base portion to be molded integrally into a single unit.

The holder base portion of the present invention has a positioningdevice that is interposed between a holding portion, which holds anoptical connector and is part of a connector holder that fixes asubstrate on which an optical input-output terminal has been providedand an optical fiber such that they are optically connected via anoptical connector that is placed on an distal end of the optical fiber,and a substrate, and positions the optical connector relative to thesubstrate.

In the holder base portion of the present invention, it is preferablefor the positioning device to be formed by positioning pins that areformed on a base body portion, and for the positioning pins to engagewith pin holes that are formed in the optical connector.

The lid portion of the present invention is a lid portion that ismounted such that it can open and close freely on a holding portionwhich holds an optical connector and is part of a connector holder thatfixes a substrate, on which an optical input-output terminal has beenprovided, and an optical fiber such that they are optically connectedtogether via the optical connector that is placed on an distal end ofthe optical fiber, wherein a lid portion body presses the opticalconnector towards the substrate.

It is preferable for the lid portion body of the present invention to beprovided with engaging portions that engage with the holding portionwhen the pressing portion is in a state of pressing the opticalconnector.

It is preferable for the lid portion body of the present invention to beprovided with a top plate portion that is formed by a substantiallyrectangular main body portion and an operating portion that extendsforwards from a front edge of the main body portion, and by side plateportions that are formed on both side edges of the top plate portion andare pivotably mounted on the holding portion of the connector holder.

EFFECTS OF THE INVENTION

In the connector holder of the present invention, because there isprovided a lid portion having a pressing portion that presses an opticalconnector towards a substrate, the optical connector is held by thepressing portion. Because of this, the optical connector is placed in aposition close to the substrate, and it is difficult for the position ofthe optical connector relative to the substrate to change.

Accordingly, it is possible to accurately position an optical connectorand ensure satisfactory optical characteristics (i.e. regarding opticalloss and the like), and optically connect an optical fiber to an opticalinput-output terminal.

Moreover, in the connector holder of the present invention, because itis possible to accurately position an optical connector by closing thelid portion when the optical connector has been fitted into the holdingportion, the operation to fix the optical connector is simplified.Furthermore, because the optical connector can be exposed by opening thelid portion, removal of the optical connector is simplified.Accordingly, there is excellent operability when both fixing andremoving an optical connector.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the opticalconnector fixing structure according to the present invention.

FIG. 2A is a cross-sectional view showing the optical connector shown inFIG. 1.

FIG. 2B is a cross-sectional view showing principal portions of theoptical connector shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3A is a rear view showing a holding portion of the connector holdershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3B is a top view showing the holding portion of the connectorholder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3C is a front view showing the holding portion of the connectorholder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3D is a side view showing the holding portion of the connectorholder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3E is a bottom view showing the holding portion of the connectorholder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4A is a top view showing a lid portion of the connector holdershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4B is a side view showing the lid portion of the connector holdershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 4C is a front view showing the lid portion of the connector holdershown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing the connector holder shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing the connector holder shown in FIG.1.

FIG. 7 is a top view showing the connector holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 8 is a side view showing the connector holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 9 is a bottom view showing the connector holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 10 is a front view showing the connector holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a perspective view showing an extraction tool used to removethe optical connector from the connector holder shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 12 is a typical view showing an example of the connector holderaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 13 is a typical view showing another example of the connectorholder according to the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a perspective view showing another example of the connectorholder according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a typical view showing an example of a conventional connectorholder.

DESCRIPTION OF THE REFERENCE NUMERALS

1 . . . Circuit board, 2 . . . Optical module, 3 . . . Connector holder,4 . . . Optical connector, 5 . . . Optical fiber, 6 . . . Opticalelement (optical input-output terminal, 11 . . . Holding portion, 12 . .. Lid portion, 31 . . . Lid portion body, 32 . . . . Pressing portion,36 . . . . Engaging portion

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is an exploded perspective view showing an example of the opticalconnector fixing structure according to the present invention. FIG. 2Ais a cross-sectional view showing the optical connector shown in FIG. 1,while FIG. 2B is an enlarged view showing principal portions of FIG. 2A.

In FIG. 1 through FIG. 10, the symbol 1 is a circuit board, 2 is anoptical module (i.e., an optical-electrical converter), 3 is a connectorholder, 4 is an optical connector, and 5 is an optical fiber.

In the present invention, the term ‘substrate’ refers to an entirepackage object on which an optical terminal which is an opticalinput-output terminal is packaged and, in the example shown in thedrawings, corresponds to the circuit board 1 and the optical module 2.Moreover, the term ‘optical-electrical converter with attached connectorholder’ corresponds to the optical module 2 and the connector holder 3.

(Optical Connector)

As is shown in FIG. 1 and FIGS. 2A and 2B, the optical connector 4 isassembled onto a distal end of the optical fiber 5, and has ablock-shaped connector body 4 b which is made from synthetic resin, anda glass plate 4 c which is fixed to the connector body 4 b.

The glass plate 4 c sandwiches between itself and the connector body 4 ban optical fiber 5 a (i.e., a bare optical fiber) which has been exposedby having the covering at the end of the optical fiber 5 removed, andthereby fixes the optical fiber 5 a.

A pair of pin holes 4 h are formed in the connector body 4. The accuracyof the positioning of the optical connector 4 relative to the opticalmodule 2 is ensured by positioning pins 52 that are provided in a holderbase portion 13 (described below) being engaged with the pin holes 4 hby being inserted therein.

A recessed portion 4 f that is hollowed out from a joining surface 4 aside and is used to alter the optical axis is formed in the connectorbody 4 b.

An optical multi fiber tape core wire having multiple cores can be takenas an example of the optical fiber 5. A plurality of optical fibers 5 a(i.e., bare optical fibers) which are exposed as a result of the coatingat the distal end of the optical fiber 5 being removed are arranged inparallel rows within positioning grooves 4 d that are formed in aplurality of parallel rows in a bottom surface 4 k of a mountingrecessed portion 4 i.

The optical fibers 5 a are precisely positioned by the positioninggrooves 4 d so as to lie opposite a reflective portion 4 g of theoptical axis altering recessed portion 4 f. The respective opticalfibers 5 a are positioned in parallel with the joining surface 4 a ofthe optical connector 4 by the positioning grooves 4 d and the glassplate 4 c.

A covered portion 5 b of the optical fiber 5 is housed in a coveringhousing groove 4 m that is formed in a bottom surface 4 j of theconnector body 4 b, and is fixed to the connector body 4 b by anadhesive agent or the like.

The optical fiber 5 is not limited to an optical multi fiber tape corewire having multiple cores and it is also possible to employ a varietyof structures such as, for example, a single-core optical fiber corewire or the like.

The optical fiber (specifically, the bare optical fiber) that is usedwith the optical connector 4 is, for example, a quartz-based opticalfiber, however, it is not limited to this. In addition, a GI (whereinGI=graded-index) type of optical fiber and the like can be used as anexample of a quartz-based optical fiber, however, it is not limited tothis.

The distal end of each optical fiber 5 a is inserted into an opticalaxis altering recessed portion 4 f of the optical connector 4, and isplaced so as to face the reflective portion 4 g that is formed insidethe optical axis altering recessed portion 4 f.

The optical axis altering recessed portion 4 f is formed in a grooveshape that has been hollowed out in the bottom surface 4 j of theconnector body 4 b. Specifically, the optical axis altering recessedportion 4 f is formed in a groove shape that has been hollowed out inthe bottom surface 4 k of the mounting recessed portion 4 i of the glassplate.

The reflective portion 4 g is formed by coating a metallized film or thelike on an inner wall surface of the optical axis altering recessedportion 4 f which is located on an extension of the optical axis of thedistal end of the optical fibers 5 a that are inserted into the opticalaxis altering recessed portion 4 f. The reflective portion 4 g forms areflective surface that is tilted, for example, approximately 45 degreesrelative to the joining surface 4 a of the optical connector 4. Theinner wall surface where the reflective portion 4 g is provided faces,via the optical axis altering recessed portion 4 f, a wall portion(i.e., a portion of the connector body 4 b) on the side where thepositioning grooves 4 d are formed, and this inner wall surface slopessuch that, as it moves from the joining surface 4 a side of theconnector body 4 towards a rear surface 4 n side thereof, it approachesthe wall portion on the side where the positioning grooves 4 d areprovided.

The reflective portion 4 g is positioned on the optical element 6 of theoptical module 2 when the optical connector 4 is placed on the opticalmodule 2, and faces either the light emitting surface or the lightreceiving surface of the optical element 6 so as to function as anoptical axis altering portion that forms an optical path that opticallyconnects the optical element 6 to the optical fibers 5 a.

The reflective portion 4 g which forms a reflective surface which istilted 45 degrees relative to the joining surface 4 a of the opticalconnector 4 shown in the drawings is tilted 45 degrees relative to thedirection of the optical axis of the optical fibers 5 a, and is alsotilted 45 degrees relative to the direction of the optical axis of theoptical element 6 which is perpendicular to the top surface 2 a of theoptical module 2.

Accordingly, the reflective portion 4 g functions as a mirror that bendsby 90 degrees outgoing light that is emitted from the distal ends of theoptical fibers 5 a so that it is irradiated onto the optical element 6,and bends by 90 degrees outgoing light that is emitted from the opticalelement 6 so that it is irradiated onto the optical fibers 5 a.

The portion of the optical path 7 that is located between the reflectiveportion 4 g and the optical element 6 is tilted (i.e., is perpendicularthereto in the example in the drawings) relative to the circuit board 1(more accurately, relative to a direction in which the circuit boardextends).

The optical connector 4 has a function of optically connecting theoptical element 6 and the optical fibers 5 a which extend in asubstantially perpendicular direction relative to the direction of theoptical axis of the optical path connecting the optical connector 4 andthe optical element 6.

Namely, the optical element 6 is optically connected by means of theoptical connector 4 to the optical fiber 5 which has a different opticalaxis direction. Specifically, the optical fiber 5 is optically connectedby means of the optical connector 4 to the optical element 6 that has anoptical axis direction that is tilted relative to the optical axisdirection of the optical fiber 5.

In the present invention, it is sufficient if the optical axis alteringportion of the optical connector is able to optically connect an opticalinput-output terminal and an optical fiber that has an optical axisdirection that is different from the optical axis direction of theoptical input-output terminal, and is not limited to the metallized filmshown in the example in the drawings. Namely, a variety of structurescan be employed.

The angle of inclination of the reflective portion 4 g relative to thejoining surface 4 a of the optical connector 4 is not restricted to 45degrees. It is sufficient if the reflective portion 4 g forms an opticalpath that is bent between the optical element 6 and the distal end ofthe optical fiber 5 which is fixed to the optical connector 4 so as tomake possible an optical connection between the optical fiber 5 and theoptical element 6, and the angle of inclination relative to the joiningsurface 4 g of the optical connector 4 can be appropriately set within arange whereby the reflective portion 4 g fulfills this function.

(Connector Holder)

The connector holder 3 has the function of fixing the optical connector4 onto the optical module 2, and preventing the optical connector 4shifting its position on the optical module 2.

FIG. 1 shows an example of the connector holder according to the presentinvention. The connector holder 3 shown here is provided with a holdingportion 11 that houses at least a portion of the optical connector 4, alid portion 12 that is mounted on the holding portion 11 such that itcan be freely opened and closed, and a holder base portion 13 that isprovided on a bottom surface side of the holding portion 11.

FIGS. 3A to 3E are views showing the structure of the holding portion11. FIG. 3A is a rear view, FIG. 3B is a top view, FIG. 3C is a frontview, FIG. 3D is a side view, and FIG. 3E is a bottom view. In thedescription given below, the direction A shown in FIG. 3B is taken asthe rear direction, while the direction B is taken as the frontdirection. A direction towards a person observing FIG. 3B is taken asthe up direction, while a direction away from a person observing FIG. 3Bis taken as the down direction.

The holding portion 11 is a substantially U-shaped frame that has arod-shaped main portion 16 and arm portions 17 that protrudesubstantially perpendicularly to the main portion 16 from both ends inthe longitudinal direction of the main portion 16. An area between thetwo arm portions 17 forms a housing portion 18 where the opticalconnector 4 is engaged.

The material that forms the holding portion 11 is not particularlylimited, however, preferably it is made from synthetic resin.

Shaft portions 20 that rotatably support the lid portion 12 are formedat both end surfaces 16 a of the main portion 16. In the example shownin the drawings, the shaft portions 20 are shaped substantially likecircular columns, and are formed so as to protrude towards the side fromthe two end surfaces 16 a.

The arm portions 17 are formed substantially parallel with each other,and the length thereof and the distance between them are fixed such thatthe optical connector 4 can be properly positioned when the opticalconnector 4 is fitted into the housing portion 18.

As is shown in FIG. 3B, the holding portion 11 is formed such that theoptical connector 4 is enclosed by the main portion 16 and the armportions 17, and a major portion of the optical connector 4 is able tobe housed within the housing portion 18.

The holding portion 11 fulfills the function of housing and positioningthe optical connector 4, and may be formed such that it is only able tohouse a portion of the optical connector 4 or may be formed such that itis able to house the entire optical connector 4. In the example shown inthe drawings, because a portion of the front end portion of the opticalconnector 4 is positioned to the front of front surfaces of the armportions 17, only a portion of the optical connector 4 is being housedin the holding portion 11 (see FIG. 8).

Top portions of the front end portions of the arm portions 17 form topportion sloping surfaces 24 that slope gradually forwards as they movedown. Bottom portions of the front end surfaces of the arm portions 17form bottom portion sloping surfaces 23 that slope gradually backwardsas they move down.

Recessed portions 21 that face the housing portion 18 are formed ininner side surfaces of the arm portions 17. The recessed portions 21 areformed in order to allow protruding pieces of a removal tool (describedbelow) that is used when the optical connector 4 is being removed fromthe connector holder 3 to be inserted therein. In the example shown inthe drawings, one recessed portion 21 is formed in the front portion andthe rear portion respectively of each arm portion 17.

As is shown in FIG. 3E, a positioning recessed portion 22 is formed in abottom surface side of each arm portion 17.

As is shown in FIG. 3D, the distance between a front end 17 a of the armportions 17 and a center axis of the shaft portions 20 is taken as adistance L1.

FIGS. 4A to 4C show the structure of the lid portion 12. FIG. 4A is atop view, FIG. 4B is a side view, and FIG. 4C is a front view. Thedirection A shown in FIG. 4A is taken as the rear direction, while thedirection B is taken as the front direction. The direction CD is takenas the transverse direction.

The lid portion 12 is provided with a lid portion body 31 and a pressingportion 32 that presses the optical connector 4 towards the opticalmodule 2.

The lid portion 12 is preferably made from metal, however, it may alsobe made from another material such as, for example, synthetic resin.

The lid portion body 31 is provided with a top plate portion 33, sideplate portions 34 that are formed on both side edges of the top plateportion 33, and plate-shaped engaging portions 36 that extend out fromthe top plate portion 33.

The top plate portion 33 is provided with a substantially rectangularplate-shaped main body portion 37, and an operating portion 38 thatextends forwards from a front edge of the main body portion 37.

The operating portion 38 is formed in a plate shape whose width isnarrower than that of the main body portion 37, and is formed so as toextend forwards from a center portion in the transverse direction of thefront end of the main body portion 37.

An aperture portion 45 is formed in the top plate portion 33. Theaperture portion 45 is formed in a rectangular shape whose longitudinaldirection is aligned in the front-rear direction (i.e., the A-Bdirection in the drawings).

The side plate portions 34 are formed substantially perpendicularly tothe top plate portion 33, and are each provided with a downwardextending portion 35 that extends downwards from a side edge of the topplate portion 33, and a rearward extending portion 39 that extendsrearwards from a bottom edge of the downward extending portion 35.

A shaft bearing portion 40 which is a circular aperture portion in whichthe shaft portion 20 of the holding portion 11 is engaged is formed ineach rearward extending portion 39.

As a result of the shaft bearing portion 40 being engaged with the shaftportion 20, the lid portion 12 is joined by hinges to the holdingportion 11 so that the lid portion 12 is able to pivot using the shaftbearing portion 40 as a fulcrum. Because of this, the lid portion 12 ismounted on the holding portion 11 such that it is able to open andclose.

Note that it is sufficient if the lid portion and the holding portionare joined together such that they are able to pivot, and the structureof this join is not limited to the example shown in the drawings. Forexample, it is also possible to join together the lid portion and theholding portion via a thin-walled portion which is formed so as to befreely bendable.

The engaging portions 36 are provided with an extending portion 41 thatextends forwards from the front edge of the main body portion 37 whilesloping gradually downwards, and an engaging claw portion 42 that isformed on a front end of the extending portion 41.

The engaging claw portions 42 are provided with a claw portion body 43that slopes downwards and gradually rearwards from the front end of theextending portion 41, and a distal end portion 44 that slopes downwardsand gradually forwards from a bottom edge of the claw portion main body43, and is formed such that it can undergo elastic bending deformation.

Because the distal end portions 44 extend diagonally downwards, if thedistal end portions 44 are pressed upwards in order to open the lidportion 12, then force is applied in the direction of opening (i.e.,towards the front) to the engaging claw portions 42. As a result, theengagement between the engaging claw portions 42 and the lid portion 17is loosened, and it becomes easy to pivot the lid portion 12 in theopening direction (i.e., in an anticlockwise direction in FIG. 4).

A distance L2 (see FIG. 4B) between a bottom end 43 a of the clawportion main body 43 and the center of the shaft bearing portion 40 ispreferably slightly smaller than the distance L1 (see FIG. 3D) betweenthe front ends 17 a of the arm portions 17 of the holding portion 11 andthe center axis of the shaft portions 20.

The engaging portions 36 are provided respectively on the two sides ofthe operating portion 38, namely, on the C direction side and the Ddirection side of the operating portion 38.

The pressing portion 32 is a tongue-shaped plate body that is able toundergo elastic bending deformation, and extends substantially forwardsfrom a rear edge 45 a of the aperture portion 45 which is formed in thetop plate portion 33.

Because the pressing portion 32 extends substantially forwards from therear edge 45 a of the aperture portion 45, compared with a structure inwhich it extends towards the rear from a front edge of the apertureportion 45, the elastic force of the operating portion 38 can bestrengthened, and stability in the opening and closing of the lidportion 12 can be obtained.

The pressing portion 32 is provided with a main portion 46 that extendsforwards and gradually downwards from the rear edge 45 a of the apertureportion 45, and with a distal end portion 47 that extends forwards andgradually upwards from a front end of the main portion 46.

When the engaging portions 36 of the lid portion 12 are engaged with theholding portion 11, the pressing portion 32 is placed in a state ofelastic bending deformation against the optical connector 4, and pressesthe optical connector 4 against the optical module 2 due to the elasticrestorative force thereof.

It is preferable for the pressing portion 32 to be placed against theoptical connector 4 at a position which corresponds to a point directlyabove the optical element 6. This is because, in order to prevent thedistance between the optical element 6 and the optical connector 4varying when external force is applied via the optical fiber 5 to theoptical connector 4, it is most effective if a position whichcorresponds to a point directly above the optical element 6 is presseddown.

The position where the pressing portion 32 is placed against the opticalconnector 4 may be in the vicinity of the pin holes 4 h and may, forexample, be between the two pin holes 4 h.

It is preferable for the pressing portion 32 to be formed such that itengages with a projecting portion (not shown) which is formed on the topsurface of the optical connector 4. It is possible to improvepositioning accuracy if this structure is employed.

It is preferable for the pressing portion 32 to be formed integrallywith the lid portion body 31. For example, by forming the lid portion 12that is provided with the lid portion body 31 and the pressing portion32 from a single plate component, a lid portion 12 is obtained in whichthe pressing portion 32 and the lid portion body 31 are an integratedunit.

If the extending portions 41 of the engaging portions 36 are too long,there is a possibility that it will become difficult for the lid portion12 to be separated from the holding portion 11 during an operation toopen the lid portion 12. This is because of the following reason.

In order to open the lid portion 12 when the distal end portions (i.e.,the engaging claw portions 42) of the engaging portions 36 are engagedwith the holding portion 11, force is applied in an upward direction tothe operating portion 38 of the top plate portion 33. As a result, forceis applied in an upward direction to the engaging portions 36, and theengaging claw portions 42 undergo bending deformation in the openingdirection (i.e., towards the front) and ride over the front ends 17 a ofthe arm portions 17.

If the extending portions 41 are formed excessively long, then theextending portions 41 are bent too much by the upward force, and theinclination of the portions closest to the distal end portion is toolarge. In conjunction with this, it becomes difficult for bendingdeformation to occur in the opening direction of the engaging clawportions 42 and there is a sizable increase in resistance when theengaging claw portions 42 ride over the front ends 17 a of the armportions 17. Because of this, it becomes difficult for the lid portion12 to be separated from the holding portion 11.

In order to avoid this, it is preferable for the extending portions 41of the engaging portions 36 to be formed as short as possible.

As is shown in FIG. 1, the holder base portion 13 is provided with aplate-shaped base body portion 51, a pair of positioning pins 52 (i.e.,positioning devices) that are formed on a top surface 51 a of the basebody portion 51, a lens 53 that is provided in an aperture portion 51 bthat is formed in the base body portion 51, and positioning protrudingportions 54 that are formed on the base body portion 51.

The positioning pins 52 are separated from each other in the transversedirection and are provided so as to protrude upwards, and are formedsuch that they can be inserted into the pin holes 4 h of the opticalconnector 4 that is engaged with the holding portion 11.

The lens 53 is formed at a position that allows light traveling from theoptical fibers 5 a towards the optical element 6 to pass therethrough,and that allows light traveling from the optical element 6 towards theoptical fibers 5 a to pass therethrough.

The positioning protruding portions 54 are able to be engaged with thepositioning recessed portions 22 of the holding portion 11, whichenables them to position the holding portion 11 relative to the holderbase portion 13.

The holder base portion 13 is mounted on the top surface 2 a of theoptical module 2.

The holder base portion 13 can also be formed as a single unit togetherwith the holding portion 11.

(Optical Module)

The optical module 2 is a chip-type or array-type of module in whichoptical elements which are light emitting elements such as semiconductorlasers (for example, laser diodes: LD) or the like, or light receivingelements such as photodiodes (PD) or the like are mounted.

The optical module 2 has a function of driving a light emitting element(i.e., the optical element 6) based on control signals from a drivecircuit on the circuit board 1, and/or has a function of transmittingelectrical signals that correspond to photodetection signals from aphotodetector (i.e., the optical element 6) to a processing circuit onthe circuit board 1.

The optical module 2 extends in a parallel direction with the circuitboard 1.

The optical element 6 functions as the optical input-output terminal ofthe present invention.

The optical axis of the optical element 6 extends in a directionperpendicular to the circuit board 1. It is sufficient if the opticalelement 6 has an optical axis direction which is different from theoptical axis direction of the optical fiber 5 of the optical connector4. Moreover, for example, an end portion or the like of an optical fiberis also included as the optical input-output terminal of the presentinvention.

The optical module 2 can be electrically connected to a circuit patternor the like on the circuit board 1 in a ball grid array (BGA) formatusing connection terminal portions (i.e., solder bumps or the like) thatare provided on a bottom surface side of the optical module 2.

(Substrate)

The circuit board 1 on which the optical module 2 is packaged is, forexample, a discrete substrate, and is constructed in accordance withrequirements depending on the electrical components that are packaged onthe circuit board such as a photoelectric conversion circuit, a controlprocessing circuit, an optical signal processing circuit, an opticalelement drive circuit, a storage circuit, as well as various circuitsthat control driving of the electrical components on the circuit board.Moreover, as the circuit board, it is also possible for an LSI which hasthese circuit functions to be mounted if necessary.

Next, an operation of the circuit holder 34 will be described.

As is shown in FIG. 5, when the holding portion 11 has been installed onthe holder base portion 13 and the lid 12 has been opened, the opticalconnector 4 is fitted from the top into the housing portion 18 of theholding portion 11.

By being fitted into the holding portion 11, the optical connector 4 isaccurately positioned.

At this time, as a result of the positioning pins 52 being inserted intothe pin holes 4 h of the optical connector 4, the positioning accuracyof the optical connector 4 is improved even further.

Next, if the lid portion 12 is pivoted downwards using the shaftportions 20 as fulcrums by applying force to the operating portion 38 asis shown by the arrow in the drawings, the pressing portion 32 is placedagainst the top surface of the optical connector 4.

As has been described above, the distance L2 (see FIG. 4B) between thebottom end 43 a of the claw portion main body 43 of the lid portion 12and the center of the shaft bearing portion 40 is smaller than thedistance L1 (see FIG. 3D) between the front ends 17 a of the armportions 17 of the holding portion 11 and the center axis of the shaftportions 20.

Because of this, if the lid portion 12 is pivoted, the engaging clawportions 42 of the lid portion 12 are pressed against the top portionsloping surfaces 24 of the holding portion 11 and, if the lid portion 12is pivoted still further, the engaging claw portions 42 undergo elasticbending deformation towards the front in accordance with the slope ofthe top portion sloping surfaces 24 and ride over the front ends 17 a ofthe arm portions 17.

When the engaging claw portions 42 are made by elastic restorative forceto arrive at the bottom portion sloping surfaces 23, because pivoting ofthe lid portion 12 in an upward direction is restricted, the lid portion12 is placed in a state of being engaged with the holding portion 11.

As is shown in FIG. 6 through FIG. 10, in a state in which the lidportion 12 is engaged with the holding portion 11, the pressing portion32 is pressed against the optical connector 4 in a state of elasticbending deformation, and because of the elastic restorative forcethereof the optical connector 4 is pressed towards the optical module 2.

In this state, because the optical connector 4 is being pressed, theoptical connector 4 is placed in a position close to the optical module2 via the holder base portion 13, and it becomes difficult for theoptical connector 4 to move in position relative to the optical module2.

Because of this, it is possible to accurately position the opticalconnector 4 and ensure satisfactory optical characteristics (i.e.regarding optical loss and the like), and optically connect the opticalfiber 5 to the optical element 6 of the optical module 2.

In order to remove the optical connector 4 from the connector holder 3the lid portion 12 is pivoted upwards.

At this time, as a result of the engaging claw portions 42 of theengaging portions 36 undergoing elastic bending deformation followingthe slope of the bottom portion sloping surfaces 23 and riding over thefront ends 17 a of the arm portions 17, the engagement of the lidportion 12 with the holding portion 11 is released. In this manner, thelid portion 12 can be disengaged from the holding portion 11.

After the portion 12 has been opened, the optical connector 4 is removedfrom the holding portion 11.

In the above described connector holder 3, because it is possible toaccurately position the optical connector 4 by closing the lid portion12 with the optical connector 4 fitted into the holding portion 11, theoperation to fix the optical connector 4 is simplified.

Moreover, because it is possible to expose the optical connector 4 byopening the lid portion 12, removal of the optical connector 4 issimplified.

Accordingly, there is excellent operability when fixing and removing anoptical connector 4.

Furthermore, in this connector holder 3, two engaging portions 36 engagewith the front surface of the holding portion 11. Because of this, as aresult of force being applied in an upward direction to the operatingportion 38 which extends towards the front, the engaging claw portions42 ride over the front ends 17 a of the arm portions 17 and make it easyfor the engagement to be released. Accordingly, removal of the opticalconnector 4 can be performed easily.

FIG. 11 shows an extraction tool that is used to remove the opticalconnector 4 from the holding portion 11.

In an extraction tool 61, protruding pieces 63 which have hook-shapedengaging pieces are formed at a distal end of a gripping portion 62. Byinserting the protruding pieces 63 into the recessed portions 21 of theholding portion 11 and then applying force in an upward direction whilethe engaging pieces are engaged with the optical connector 4, theoptical connector 4 can be removed from the holding portion 11.

Next, a method of manufacturing the connector holder 3 will bedescribed.

When manufacturing the connector holder 3, it is possible to integrallymold the holding portion 11 as a single unit together with the holderbase portion 13, or to manufacture these separately and then combinethem together. Each method will be described below.

(Separate Molding)

In order to mold the holding portion 11, it is possible to use aninjection molding method or to use another molding method, for example,compression molding. The material used for the holding portion 11 may bea thermoplastic resin or maybe a thermosetting resin. Specifically, itis possible to use, for example, an epoxy resin, a polyphenylene sulfide(PPS) resin, a liquid crystal polymer resin, and an ABS resin.

In order to mold the holder base portion 13, it is possible to use aninjection molding method or to use another molding method, for example,compression molding. The material used for the holder base portion 13may be a thermoplastic resin or maybe a thermosetting resin.Specifically, it is possible to use, for example, an epoxy resin, apolyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, a liquid crystal polymer resin, andan ABS resin.

The materials used for the holding portion 11 and the holder baseportion 13 may be different from each other or may be the same as eachother.

In order to connect the optical connector 4 to the holder base portion13, it is necessary for the holder base portion 13 to have a highermolding accuracy than the holding portion 11.

Because the configuration of the holding portion 11 is complex, theconfiguration of the metal mold is also complex, however, because theconfiguration of the holder base portion 13 is comparatively simple, theconfiguration of the metal mold is also simple. Because of this, a highlevel of molding accuracy and configuration consistency can be obtainedin the holder base portion 13.

When the holding portion 11 and the holder base portion 13 are moldedseparately, because a high level of molding accuracy and configurationconsistency can be obtained in the holder base portion 13 which isconnected to the optical connector 4, there is a rise in the positioningaccuracy of the optical connector 4.

The positioning pins 52 are inserted into the insertion holes 51 d thatare formed in the top plate portion 51 c of the base body portion 51 ofthe holder base portion 13, and are fixed to the base body portion 51.The lens 53 is fitted inside the aperture portion 51 b.

The holder base portion 13 may be mounted on the optical module 2 afterthe holding portion 11 has been joined thereto, or else the holdingportion 11 may be joined to the holder base portion 13 after the holderbase portion 13 has been mounted on the optical module 2. An adhesiveagent can be used to join the holding portion 11 to the holder baseportion 13.

When the holding portion 11 and the holder base portion 13 are beingpositioned on the optical module 2, it is possible to employ a method inwhich the holding portion 11 is joined to the holder base portion 13after the holder base portion 13 has been positioned on the opticalmodule 2.

Moreover, it is also possible to position the holder base portion 13relative to the optical module 2 after the holding portion 11 has beenjoined to the holder base portion 13.

When the holder base portion 13 is being mounted on the optical module2, it is preferable for the lens 53 to first be mounted on the opticalmodule 2 and for the holder base portion 13 to subsequently be mountedon the optical module 2.

(Integral Molding)

In order to integrally mold the holding portion 11 and the holder baseportion 13 together as a single unit when the holding portion 11 isplaced on top of the holder base portion 13, it is possible to use aninjection molding method or to use another molding method, for example,compression molding. The material used for the holding portion 11 andthe holder base portion 13 may be a thermoplastic resin or maybe athermosetting resin. Specifically, it is possible to use, for example,an epoxy resin, a polyphenylene sulfide (PPS) resin, a liquid crystalpolymer resin, and an ABS resin.

The present invention is not limited to the above described embodimentand various modifications may be made thereto.

In the example shown in the drawings, a structure is shown in which twoengaging portions 36 engage with the front surface of the holdingportion 11, however, the present invention is not limited to this and itis also possible to employ a structure in which the engaging portionsengage with side portions of the holding portion. In addition, thenumber of engaging portions is not limited to two and may be one orthree or more.

Furthermore, in the example shown in the drawings, a structure is shownin which the positioning pins 52 which are provided on the holder baseportion 13 which is placed on top of the optical module 2 engage in thepinholes 4 h of the optical connector 4, however, conversely, it is alsopossible to employ a structure in which positioning pins are formed onthe optical connector and these positioning pins engage with pinholes onthe substrate side.

The positioning pins and pinholes have the function of positioning theoptical connector relative to the connector holder. In the presentinvention, the structure for positioning the optical connector relativeto the connect the holder is not limited to this structure and it isalso possible to employ a structure in which plate-shaped orcolumn-shaped convex portions which are used for positioning are formedin one of the optical connector and the holder base portion, and concaveportions that match the convex portions are formed in the other of theoptical connector and the holder base portion, and these are thenengaged with each other.

In the present invention, as is shown in FIG. 12, it is also possible toprovide the connector holder 3 on top of the optical module 2 which isprovided on the circuit board 1, or as is shown in FIG. 13, it is alsopossible to provide a connector holder 3 which is larger than theoptical module 2 on top of the optical module 2, and to directly mountthe connector holder 3 on the circuit board 1 at the portion where theconnector holder 3 faces the circuit board 1.

In the example shown in the drawings, the connector holder 3 is providedwith the holder base portion 13, however, in the present invention it isalso possible for the connector holder to not be provided with a holderbase portion.

It is preferable for the lens to be mounted directly on the opticalmodule.

In addition to this, it is also possible to provide a mounting componentin which positioning pins are provided on a plate-shaped base componenton an optical module, and to mount an optical connector on this mountingcomponent. It is preferable for an aperture portion to be formed in themounting component, and for a lens to be provided in this apertureportion.

FIG. 14 shows another embodiment of the connector holder of the presentinvention in which claw portions 19 are provided on outer side surfacesof the arm portions 17 of the holding portion 11. Each claw portion 19has two extending portions 19 a and 19 a that extend downwards, andhooks 19 b and 19 b that are formed on a distal end of the two extendingportions 19 a and 19 a.

The two extending portions 19 a and 19 a are formed apart from eachother in the front-rear direction, and a hook 19 b is formed on thefront edge of the front extending portion 19 a facing forwards, while ahook 19 b is formed on the rear edge of the rear extending portion 19 afacing rearwards.

In this connector holder, the claw portions 19 are inserted intoengaging holes (not shown) that are provided in the optical module 2 (orcircuit board 1), and the holding portion 11 is positioned relative tothe optical module 2 as a result of the hook portions 19 b being engagedwith circumferential edge portions of the engaging holes.

According to this structure, it is possible to accurately position theholding portion 11 relative to the optical module 2, and also preventthe holding portion 11 becoming separated from the optical module 2.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In the connector holder of the present invention, because a lid portionis provided that has a pressing portion that presses an opticalconnector towards a substrate, the optical connector is held in place bythe pressing portion. Because of this, the optical connector is placedin a position close to the substrate, and it becomes difficult for theposition of the optical connector to shift relative to the substrate.

Accordingly, it is possible to accurately position an optical connectorand secure satisfactory optical characteristics (i.e., optical loss andthe like), and to optically connect an optical fiber to an opticalinput-output terminal.

1. A connector holder that fixes onto a substrate on which an opticalterminal has been provided an optical connector that is assembled onto adistal end of an optical fiber whose optical axis direction is differentfrom an optical axis direction of the optical terminal such that theoptical fiber and the optical terminal are optically connected, wherein:there are provided a holding portion that houses the optical connector,and a lid portion that is mounted on the holding portions such that itcan open and close freely; the lid portion is provided with a lidportion body, and a pressing portion that presses the optical connectortowards the substrate; a holder base portion is provided between thesubstrate and the holder portion, and the optical connector is fixed tothis holder base portion; and positioning pins are provided on theholder base portion, and the optical connector is fixed as a result ofthe positioning pins being engaged in pin holes in the opticalconnector.
 2. A connector holder that fixes onto a substrate on which anoptical terminal has been provided an optical connector that isassembled onto a distal end of an optical fiber whose optical axisdirections is different from an optical axis direction of the opticalterminal such that the optical fiber and the optical terminal areoptically connected, wherein: there are provided a holding portion thathouses the optical connector, and a lid portion that is mounted on theholding portions such that it can open and close freely; the lid portionis provided with a lid portion body, and a pressing portion that pressesthe optical connector towards the substrate; a holder base portion isprovided between the substrate and the holder portion, and the opticalconnector is fixed to this holder base portion; and pin holes are formedin the holder base portion, and the optical connector is fixed as aresult of positioning pins that are provided on the optical connectorbeing engaged in the pin holes.
 3. The connector holder according toclaims 1 or 2, wherein the lid portion body is provided with an engagingportion that engages with the holding portion when the pressing portionis pressing optical connector.
 4. The connector holder according toclaims 1 or 2, wherein the pressing portion is formed in the shape of atongue piece that is able to undergo elastic deformation, and theoptical connector is pressed by elasticity towards the substrate.
 5. Anoptical-electrical converter having an attached connector holder that isprovided with the connector holder according to claims 1 or 2, theconnector holder fixes onto an optical-electrical converter on which anoptical terminal has been provided an optical connector that isassembled onto a distal end of an optical fiber whose optical axisdirection is different from an optical axis direction of the opticalterminal such that the optical fiber and the optical terminal areoptically connected, and with an optical-electrical converter.
 6. Anoptical connector fixing structure that fixes onto a substrate on whichan optical terminal has been provided an optical connector that isassembled onto a distal end of an optical fiber whose optical axisdirection is different from an optical axis direction of the opticalterminal such that the optical fiber and the optical terminal areoptically connected via the connector holder according to claims 1 or 2.7. A method of assembling a connector holder according to claims 1 or 2,wherein the holding portion and the holder base portion are moldedseparately and are then joined together.
 8. The method of assembling aconnector holder according to claim 7, wherein after the holder baseportion has been positioned relative to the substrate, the holdingportion is joined to this holder base portion.
 9. The method ofassembling a connector holder according to claim 7, wherein after theholding portion has been joined to the holder base portion, the holderbase portion is positioned relatively to the substrate.
 10. The methodof assembling a connector holder according to claims 1 or 2, wherein theholding portion and the holder base portion are molded integrally as asingle unit.
 11. A holder base portion which has a positioning devicethat is interposed between a holding portion, which holds an opticalconnector and is part of a connector holder that fixes a substrate onwhich an optical terminal has been provided and an optical fiber suchthat they are optically connected together via the optical connectorthat is placed on an distal end of the optical fiber, and a substrate,and that positions the optical connector relative to the substrate. 12.The holder base portion according to claim 11, wherein the positioningdevice is formed by positioning pins that are formed on a base bodyportion, and the positioning pins engage with pin holes that are formedin the optical connector.
 13. A lid portion that is mounted such that itcan open and close freely on a holding portion which is part of theconnector holder according to claims 1 or 2, wherein a lid portion bodypresses the optical connector towards the substrate.
 14. The lid portionaccording to claim 13, wherein the lid portion body is provided withengaging portions that engages with the holding portion when thepressing portion is in a state of pressing the optical connector. 15.The lid portion according to claim 13, wherein the lid portion body isprovided with a top plate portion that is formed by a substantiallyrectangular main body portion and an operating portion that extendsforwards from a front edge of the main body portion, and by side plateportions that are formed on both side edges of the top plate portion andare pivotably mounted on the holding portion of the connector holder.